Skunks Great While They Lasted

January 16, 1998|By BRIAN ELLIS Western High School

SKUNKS: No Apologies (MOON SKA NYC)

Without a doubt, the Skunks were one of the most talented Washington, D.C., ska bands ever. Known for rock-steady beats, soulful reggae and two-tone sound, the band shines on its second release, No Apologies.

The album kicks off with a smooth and very two-tone-sounding instrumental called Summertime 1969, then follows into the strongest track, Sheets & Blankets. The instrumentals on No Apologies are some of the best I've ever heard. Instrumentals like Dubz 57 Sauce, 80 Seconds of Ska and the amazing Monoskat 7 literally gave me chills. The Skunks also pay tribute to the great Bob Marley on Simmer Down. The album ends with the classic tune Summertime 1996.

Although the Skunks are no longer together, the band's talent and musical passion will live on.